Siena Top in Erika Knight Studio Linen - Downloadable PDF

Siena Top in Erika Knight Studio Linen – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Siena Top is a beautifully understated, short-sleeved knitted top designed by Erika Knight. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is aimed at intermediate knitters looking for a refined, wearable wardrobe piece that balances simplicity with subtle elegance. The defining feature of the Siena Top is its sheer yoke, which adds a delicate, feminine touch to an otherwise clean and classic silhouette.

What Is Being Made

The Siena Top is a short-sleeved pullover top, categorised within the slipover and top family of knitted garments. It is knitted to a relaxed, wearable fit across five sizes, making it accessible to a wide range of body types. The finished chest measurements range from 86cm (34in) for a size Small up to 134cm (52¾in) for a size XXL, with lengths ranging from 51cm (20in) to 59cm (23¼in). This generous size range ensures the pattern suits a broad audience, from petite to plus-size knitters.

Design Details and Construction

The Siena Top is described as a simple, elegant design, making it an ideal project for intermediate knitters who want a satisfying make without overly complex construction. The standout design detail is the subtle sheer yoke, which is achieved through a combination of needle sizing and the inherent drape of the yarn. This sheer quality gives the garment a sophisticated, layerable quality, perfect for warm-weather dressing. The overall silhouette is clean and contemporary, in keeping with Erika Knight's signature aesthetic of understated, beautifully crafted knitwear.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting – the main body sections are worked flat on straight needles
• Circular knitting – a 5mm/US 8 circular needle is used for certain sections, likely the yoke or neckline finishing
• Seaming – a large-eyed, blunt-tipped sewing needle is listed in the materials, indicating that pieces are seamed together during finishing
• Stitch holding – stitch holders and a spare needle are required, suggesting stitches are held and returned to needles during construction, a common technique when shaping yokes or necklines
• Shaping – as with most fitted tops, increases and decreases are used to shape the garment to size

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch / Stockinette stitch (St st) – this is the primary stitch throughout the pattern, creating a smooth, flat fabric with excellent drape, well-suited to the linen yarn
• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric
• Slip stitch (Sl) – referenced in the abbreviations, likely used in edging or shaping details

Stocking stitch is one of the most fundamental and widely used knitting stitches, worked by alternating rows of knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side. It produces a smooth, even fabric that is particularly flattering when worked in a yarn with natural drape, such as linen.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is designed specifically for Erika Knight Studio Linen, a DK weight yarn composed of 85% recycled linen and 15% premium linen. Each hank contains approximately 120m/131yds per 50g (1¾oz). Depending on the size being knitted, between 6 and 8 hanks are required. The blend of recycled and premium linen gives the yarn excellent eco-credentials alongside a beautiful natural texture and drape, making it ideal for warm-weather garments.

• Needles: 3.75mm/US 5 and 5.5mm/US 9 straight needles, plus a 5mm/US 8 circular needle